KGW’s Straight Talk

Oregon AG Dan Rayfield discusses lawsuits against Trump's tariff and mail-in voting orders, plus Portland's iconic Thompson Elk statue is back downtown.

Though TSA agents across the country received backpay this week, the shutdown continues — and for some, the damage was already done. Plus, Grant McOmie's longtime photographer Jeff Kastner offers a behind-the-scenes look at their many adventures across Oregon’s outdoors.

A $14B I-5 Bridge Replacement and a booming sports economy are reshaping Oregon. Leaders explain costs, timeline, and the region’s economic future.

Portland City Administrator Raymond Lee and Mercy Corps' Mary Stata share insights on city management, revitalization, and the evolving global humanitarian mission.

Oregon Food Bank discusses rising hunger while tourism leaders examine how the new lodging tax could impact hotels and short-term rentals.

Chris Dudley outlines his plan for Oregon as he mounts another run for governor, and author Jim Moore examines Vic Atiyeh’s legacy ahead of November.

On Straight Talk, leaders warn Portland faces a possible economic doom loop. Rep. Ed Diehl details his run for governor and tax priorities.

The bipartisan Oregon House Bill 4134, introduced in the 2026 short session, would raise the state's Transient Lodging Tax by 1.25%, raising tens of millions of dollars in new funding that would go to the Oregon Conservation Strategy fund, which would have its name changed to the Recovering Oregon's Wildlife Fund.

Oregon Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss how Oregonians can check for any unclaimed money that they might be owed by the state, as well as her tenure as treasurer. Steiner served in the state Senate for 13 years prior to becoming the first woman and first physician to hold the office of treasurer. Feb. 1 is National Unclaimed Property Day, and last year the Oregon treasury returned almost $60 million in unclaimed property to Oregonians. According to Steiner, it happens because businesses, banks, and insurance companies are obligated to try to return property or money to its rightful owner, but if they're unable to make contact within 3 years, they have to turn it over to the state treasury for it to be held in trust for the person or their heirs.

Oregon lawmakers preview a high-stakes 35-day session, debating budget cuts, ODOT funding, affordability and what’s possible before the clock runs out.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield says 53 lawsuits against the Trump Administration has protected $4.6 billion in federal funding for the state.

Oregon’s chief economist breaks down the 2026 economic outlook, while housing experts explain what lower rates and a shifting real estate market mean for buyers.

If the Supreme Court strikes down some tariffs without backup revenue source, it could mean higher costs for Oregonians after nearly avoiding a downturn last year.

The tightening of Multnomah County’s drug deflection program comes amid what District Attorney Nathan Vasquez describes as low participation — and an even lower level of accountability. Speaking on KGW’s "Straight Talk," Vasquez said many people referred to deflection were technically counted as “engaged” despite never entering or remaining in treatment, with only a small fraction completing what he considers meaningful services. Under the change, people caught with illegal drugs may face criminal charges if they fail to meaningfully engage in treatment, though Vasquez said the goal is not punishment. He said cases would typically be handled through conditional discharge and court supervision, which he described as another tool to push people toward treatment rather than jail.

Oregon Symphony CEO discusses how the orchestra brings tens of thousands of people downtown on 100+ concert nights annually, helping revitalize downtown Portland.

Amid holiday stress, Latino Network brings hope and gifts to Portland’s immigrant families through the KGW Great Toy Drive.

Mayor Keith Wilson details Portland’s progress on shelter beds, the return of camping ban enforcement, and his plans for housing, parks and public safety in 2025.

Oregon's first Chief Privacy Officer Nik Blosser explains state's AI plans and privacy concerns, while Christine Drazan talks campaign for governor, GOP primary.

Air traffic controllers return to work and Rep. Maxine Dexter defends her vote as the U.S. faces ongoing aviation and health care challenges.

KGW's Stephanie Domurat talks with Oregon leaders about the SNAP benefits crisis and to Republican Danielle Bethell about her bid for governor.

Oregon's adjutant general discusses federalized Guard troops on standby in Portland. Plus, Multnomah County library director on expansion and safety.

Portland councilors explain what the new Protect Portland Initiative does against federal immigration overreach.

Oregon’s seniors face rising scams and housing struggles. Experts warn urgent action is needed to protect older adults and their futures.

Portland has been at the center of a whirlwind legal battle in recent days, with President Donald Trump characterizing the city as a lawless war zone and pushing to send in National Guard troops under federal command — only to be repeatedly blocked by Judge Karin Immergut after Oregon sued, arguing that the anti-ICE protests have been largely peaceful and Trump is mischaracterizing the situation. Professor Tung Yin was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to help make sense of the rapidly evolving court fight and break down what's likely to happen next. Yin is a professor of law at the Lewis and Clark Law School, whose areas of expertise include national security and terrorism law.

Portland Police Chief Bob Day said the city’s police bureau is managing the ongoing demonstrations outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Waterfront without the need for National Guard support. Speaking in an interview Monday, after a federal judge reaffirmed a ban on National Guard deployments to Portland, Day said it was "confirmation to the work that Portland Police Bureau has been doing in that area" and that he appreciated the court's recognition of local efforts.

Portland has been at the center of a whirlwind legal battle in recent days, with President Donald Trump characterizing the city as a lawless war zone and pushing to send in National Guard troops under federal command — only to be repeatedly blocked by Judge Karin Immergut after Oregon sued, arguing that the anti-ICE protests have been largely peaceful and Trump is mischaracterizing the situation. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to go over what's happened in the case so far and what he expects will happen next as the battle moves to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter recounted trying to locate a Portland mother and her four children detained by ICE after visiting the U.S.–Canada border.

Oregon Health and Science University has been a powerhouse of research and innovation in Oregon for decades, serving as one of the state's largest employers and a leader in areas like cancer research through the Knight Institute. However, OHSU has faced its share of challenges over the past year with financial struggles, capacity issues, layoffs and a failed merger with Legacy Health. OHSU's newest president, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss the institution's struggles and opportunities, including the impact of changes under the Trump administration — from funding cuts earlier in the year to the decision this week to declare a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, which has drawn pushback from medical experts. Elnahal was appointed as president in June and stepped into the role last month. He was appointed Undersecretary of Health for the federal Department of Veterans Affairs under the Biden administration, and before that served as president of University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey.

Hartman was the lone Democrat to vote against the bill in the House. She also discussed her decision to run for Clackamas County Commissioner.

The Port of Vancouver reported $55M in revenue—one of its best years. Tariffs, electrification, and shore power and a public market are all part of the next chapter.

Portland faces economic challenges as Oregon loses 25,000 jobs. Experts warn national uncertainty could slow the city’s recovery and growth plans.

Nearly two decades of protections for some of the Pacific Northwest’s wildest landscapes may be on the chopping block as federal officials under the Trump administration move to undo the "Roadless Rule" and return parts of the national forest system to the commercial timber base. The rule, created in 2001 at the end of the Clinton administration, restricts road construction and logging on about 60 million acres of national forest nationwide. In Oregon, it covers about 2 million acres; in Washington, about 2.8 million. “There were millions of acres of national forests that were less accessible, more difficult to get to, that had generally not been commercially logged,” said Daniel Rohlf, a professor at Lewis & Clark Law School who specializes in public lands law. “So, the question was what do we do with this resource?” After extensive public input, the Forest Service chose to manage those areas for their roadless qualities and for environmental benefits such as clean water, wildlife habitat and recreation, Rohlf said. Many of the Northwest's most popular destinations fall within those protections, including Lost Lake on Mount Hood, Larch Mountain in the Columbia Gorge, the Oregon Dunes from Florence to Coos Bay and hiking trails in the Cascade Lakes area, according to Steve Pedery, conservation director for the group Oregon Wild.

For decades, Portlanders have been accustomed to the yearly sight of Vaux's swifts swirling above the chimney at Chapman Elementary School, a punctuation on summer's end. But after a shakeup in the migratory birds' habits last year, the city waits to see where they'll land now. Joe Liebezeit with the Bird Alliance of Oregon was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss why the migratory birds might be moving away from their traditional fall resting place.

In a KGW “Straight Talk” interview, Oregon’s top election official rejected Trump’s claim mail-in voting is “corrupt,” saying the president lacks authority to end it

Growing scientific evidence points to a critical issue impacting younger generations. Nationwide, more children and teens are reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of high schoolers reported experiencing depressive symptoms in 2023 — up from 30% just 10 years earlier. The trend is particularly bad in Oregon, and as students across the state enjoy their final days of summer vacation before heading back to school, parents want to know how they can best support their children's well-being amid the youth mental health crisis. On this week's episode of "Straight Talk," three experts who are working to get ahead of the curve came together to talk about what's driving the trend, what researchers say can be done to help, and what kids are saying they need.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk for a wide-ranging interview that touched on changes to Medicaid, the Epstein files, President Donald Trump's immigration policies and the pending sale of the Portland Trail Blazers. Sen. Wyden's interview on Straight Talk also touched on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and his efforts to get the Justice Department to release its Epstein records. Wyden has been representing Oregon in the U.S. Senate since 1996, after previously serving for several years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the U.S. fertility rate dropped to the lowest level on record last year. The news is sparking a lot of conversation — and a lot of questions. Is the decline driven by biology, culture or policy? What can be done? And what does this complex issue mean for Oregon, Washington and beyond?Dr. Paula Amato and Dr. Ethan Sharygin were guests on this week's episode of Straight Talk to help break down some of the answers to those questions. Amato is a professor of OBGYN and division head of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at OHSU, as well as a specialist at Spring Fertility in Portland. Sharygin is the director of Portland State University's Population Research Center, with expertise in mortality and longevity forecasting, evaluating the quality of census data and the demographic consequences of disasters.The U.S. birthrate in 2024 was 1.6 births per woman of reproductive age. The decline is part of a long-term trend, Sharygin said, first among teens and women in their 20s, and later among women at older ages. The Oregon rate used to be close to the national average, but has declined even faster in the past 15 years and is now about 1.4 — and even lower in urban areas like Portland.

The Fire has already sold more than 12,500 season ticket deposits, and Interim President Claire Hamill talks milestones, inspiring the city and drafting players.

Sen. Jeff Merkley discusses tariffs, Gaza, Epstein files and why he's running for reelection in wide-ranging interview.

It was a key promise on the campaign trail, and now President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration across the country is in full effect — but not without opposition, spawning an ongoing wave of legal challenges and protests.This week on Straight Talk, two experts in the field of immigration try to detangle some of the misconceptions surrounding the president's efforts, aiming to peel back some of the layers of the debate over immigration, from legal battles to the Trump administration's tactics to what's driving voter sentiment about foreign citizens entering the country.Professor Juliet Stumpf is a professor of law at Lewis and Clark Law School with expertise in both immigration law and the intersection of immigration and criminal law. Professor Alexander Sager is an associate professor of philosophy at Portland State University who specializes in political philosophy and the ethics of migration.

Oregon's 2025 legislative session wrapped up on June 27, a couple days before the deadline but without passing one of the top priorities: a comprehensive overhaul of the way the state funds its roads and bridges. The transportation package's failure dominated the final stretch, but there were plenty of other notable bills that did make it to the governor's desk.Senate Deputy Majority Leader Wlnsvey Campos, D-Aloha, and Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, joined this week's episode of "Straight Talk" to break down the highs and lows of the five-month session, which included a record-breaking number of bills and plenty of both accomplishments and failures to go around.

What happens when a city's restaurant scene reaches the pinnacle of culinary recognition — yet the chefs behind the accolades can barely keep their doors open?Portland's food scene is experiencing a golden moment. The city that once parodied on "Portlandia" for obsessing over farm-to-table dining is now earning serious national respect. Oregon restaurants are sweeping James Beard nominations like never before, with establishments from intimate neighborhood spots to Willamette Valley gems collecting the industry's most prestigious honors.But step inside these celebrated kitchens, and a different story emerges — one of razor-thin margins, impossible mathematics and owners contemplating closure even as the awards roll in.

Some legal psilocybin therapy centers are closing in Oregon, as high costs and regulations are having a negative impact on the industry.

After 40 years in journalism, retiring editor reveals what separates local media from national networks and how big tech threatens the industry.

Democratic Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez, who represents a Trump district, explains why she votes against party lines on key issues despite criticism.